Renewable Energy Investment Continues in MI

Wind is king in renewable energy investment in Michigan, according to a study released by the Pew Charitable Trust. The study, which examined the impact of Michigan’s 2008 Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act, which required state utilities to produce 10 percent of their power via renewable energy, shows that more than $2 billion was invested in renewable energy between 2009 and 2013. Tom Swanson, manager of clean energy initiatives for the trust, told MLive that wind was the clear winner. He says Michigan also has become a leader in developing clean energy technologies. The Pew study estimated manufacturing related to clean energy – such as the construction of large-scale wind vanes and advanced batteries – will contribute another $2.3 billion annually by 2015.